Don't Underestimate The Value Of A Coach

​"Excuses are the lies only we believe."
​- Unknown

Photo by Freysteinn G. Jonsson on Unsplash

​[2 Minute Read or Listen Below]

New Path Productivity LLC · New Path Perspective Blog: Don't Underestimate The Value Of A Coach

Have you ever felt frustrated that things weren't going your way? I talked with my business coach recently, spouting multiple frustrations and reasons I felt overwhelmed.

She asked many questions and dug deeper into the details of my situation. By the end of our time together, we outlined a plan and put accountability measures in place. The next day, I sent a message thanking her for uninviting me from my pity party and giving me the dose of reality I needed to hit the reset button.

​​A good coach listens, educates, motivates, and provides accountability. But the most uncomfortable and simultaneously beneficial part of having a coach is when they poke holes in your excuses. And believe me, I can be as full of excuses as anyone.
 
When something is impeding my progress, I usually don't hesitate to walk myself through the 5-Step Productive Environment Process™ from Productive Environment Institute:

1. State Your Vision
2. Identify Your Obstacles
3. Commit Your Resources
4. Design and Execute Your Plan
5. Sustain Your Success

 
As I guide myself through this objective and comprehensive thought process, it prompts me to think of all perspectives of the situation. When I'm making excuses, I find I'm not willing to be so objective. I tend to be more emotional about the situation, as if being more emotional somehow relieves me of responsibility.
 
Deep down, I usually know when I'm making excuses versus facing another type of obstacle. When I'm making an excuse, I am typically at the heart of the issue and don't want to face that fact, so I don't probe any further, and I blame my circumstances. Sometimes, it takes having someone call me out to get my butt in gear and take the necessary action. And believe me, that makes it that much more embarrassing.
 
But it's not about being (or avoiding being) embarrassed. It's about growing, and learning, and reaching your goals. To achieve those ends, sometimes, we have to be vulnerable and put ourselves out there.
 
If our goals are a priority, we should surround ourselves with people we trust who will be straight with us and call us out when we need the blindfold ripped off. Our trust in these individuals doesn't make the words any easier to hear, mind you. However, if you are willing to be self-reflective and accept your role in your current circumstances, their counsel is invaluable.
 
Do you want to be surrounded by people who validate your excuses? Or do you want the support of someone who will ask the tough questions that keep you moving forward? If you want the latter, I encourage you to find a coach to keep you on track and promote self-reflection to save you from your excuses.
 
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by office clutter and information overload, a productive environment can provide relief. Get your productive environment score now at www.newpathpro.com/scorecard.

The Productive Environment Process™ ©2005-2021 Productive Environment Institute | Used under license to Kathy Muzik